VERO BEACH — Snowbirds may have flown the coop, but locals showed up in droves, flocking once again to the 36th annual Youth Guidance Tropical Night Luau at the Quail Valley River Club.
Demonstrating that you can have a successful fundraiser even after the standard social season has drawn to a close, the event boasted record-breaking sponsorships and an enthusiastic crowd.
Doug Borrie, executive director of Youth Guidance, sported a Hawaiian shirt and straw hat as he greeted arrivals and draped them with colorful leis.
Having just joined the organization in March, Borrie was looking forward to the evening, saying, “Everyone says it’s a great party; the best party of the year.”
Guests arrived dressed for the tropics and ready for fun, wearing festively colored floral shirts and sundresses, and taking full advantage of Quail Valley’s expansive riverfront club.
Partiers gathered outdoors on the veranda and poolside by the Tiki Hut, taking in the spectacular sunset and listening to the soothing sounds of Calypso steel drums.
Others cooled off in the air-conditioned dining and bar areas, where the music level later was cranked up for dancing to the band, The Brass Evolution.
Convenient food stations were set up at numerous locations inside and out, with Quail Valley’s Chef Joe Faria and his outstanding team once again working their magic, continually replenishing an assortment of delicious island fare.
Tables filled with close to 100 donated silent auction items, including personal services, restaurants and recreation packages, artwork, jewelry and retail items, filled the club’s lobby, and later in the evening, County Commissioner Wesley Davis presided over a live auction with some spirited bidding.
Youth Guidance will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August, and many of those in attendance have been involved since its fledgling years.
“They’ve come a long way. I’ve watched it grow over the years,” said Toddy Offutt McKeown.
“I was a mentor in the 80’s. My child ended up going to nursing school, got married and has two children. We’re still in touch; still good friends.”
Although in the past, funds from the Luau were channeled toward the cost of summer camp scholarships for children in Indian River County, the organization has had to refocus its resolve as a result of county budget cuts.
Money raised this year is earmarked toward its year-round mentoring and activity programs, which annually enriches the lives of hundreds of at-risk children.
Through group and one-on-one mentoring, activities fall into four program tracks – education, environmental study, character building and giving back to the community.
“The reason why we do this is that we want all of our kids to become really well-rounded citizens,” explained Tricia Maestri, public relations & mentor coordinator.
“We want all of our activities and programs to have a purpose.”
“We’re refocusing on our core mission, which is mentoring one-to-one,” said Borrie.
“So the activities are fertile ground for a child and an adult to share an activity, share an interest and perhaps establish a one-to-one relationship.”
Just prior to the live auction, Borrie thanked guests and especially sponsors.
“This is a local crowd supporting a local program that helps local children. We are funded by you – all of you here tonight – and this has been the case for 40 years. I hope we can re-pay your generosity through the work we do with children. We plan to make your investment in us an investment in them.”
He also recognized the caring mentors and volunteers for being “the heart of Youth Guidance,” his hard working board of directors, and the staff members, who “live the ups and downs with our children as if each one was family.”
In addition to individual mentoring, the organization provides monthly activities for un-matched children.
Volunteers are currently being sought for two upcoming events – Loving Your Lagoon, July 27 at Riverview Park in Sebastian, and the annual Good Grades Pool Party, August 17 at the Gifford Aquatic Center.
